Birds Of Tokyo are back, supported by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, for an intimate concert that is cinematic, expansive, vulnerable, and breathtaking.
The familiarity of the Concert Hall amplified the experience, and the emotional entanglement the Orchestra holds over the audience – patrons were swaying, bopping, and vibing to the performance throughout the entire set. The lighting design was a visual art form in and of itself, suspended above the Orchestra, and Birds Of Tokyo, casting rich oranges, purples, and blues across the audience – timed effortlessly with each swell and percussion.
Birds Of Tokyo performed many fan favourites, eliciting a chorus from the audience during each set – festival culture was alive and well, despite the juxtaposition of the Concert Hall. After intermission, the WA Symphony Orchestra truly filled the room with french horns, trombones, strings, harps, and percussion for a musical palette – reaching a crescendo with a performance of 'Brace' that could only be described as the next 'Bond' movie theme song – putting it on par with Adele’s 'Skyfall'.
Image © Rebecca Mansell
Conductor Nicolas Buc led the charge opposite Birds Of Tokyo lead singer, Ian Kenny. Orchestra members were mouthing their favourite lyrics in between their sets, and many inside jokes were had on stage between the musicians.
With the final song being 'Lanterns', the Symphony Orchestra elevated the stage presence, and inflated the passion of the musicians on stage. The room became heavy with nostalgia, and dopamine, as the two musical giants concluded the night with a double-encore and a standing ovation.
Forever producing locally cherished earworms, audiences left the Concert Hall humming their favourite songs long into the night. Whatever your plans are, cancel them now, and get the flock to your local performance of the 'Birdsongs' Orchestra Tour.
